Friday, January 28, 2011

As anyone who’s ever played rugby knows, the sport and its culture has a unique factor that can be life changing in many ways. Inmates at a Buenos Aires prison have been lucky enough to be exposed to the game, and have since flourished.

Someone posted a link to this video on the forum earlier today so I had a look, and it’s got to be said, it’s quite moving. Despite the guys involved being hardened criminals subjected to a life behind bars, the joy they get from playing is great to see.

Through the initiative of one inmate, this prison in Argentina took on a rugby program to give those who stay there another outlook on life, and a means to get rid of extra pent up tension and aggression.

Yes they’re criminals, and being in prison is punishment for what they’ve done, but they’re just human and if rugby can be the means of reformation, surely it's worth giving them that.

It seems to have worked too, as these guys not only got fit and trained hard whenever possible, but were also able to play a game in the outside world, with their family on the sidelines.

Its fascinating viewing, and just another example of why this is such a great metaphor for life. Respect, honour, humility. If nothing else, at least some of those in Unit 9, and now other facilities around the world, will have learnt something through playing the great game of rugby.

Let me update this story. A Buenos aires justice officer forbide them to play outside the prision again. Mostly because some complaints coming from the relatives of the victims. They are still playing, but inside the unit.

Hey, some of the rugby on display there was quite skill full I thought for such an amateur level! but then Argentina in my opinion have always been one of the most naturally gifted rugby nations! These people have committed crimes and yes should be punished, but they're also PEOPLE, who deserve the opportunity to better themselves, and develop new skills for that even harsher now, outside world!

I found the whole thing a bit weird, what about the victims & the families of those who have been killed/attacked etc. Imagine if your family member had been killed would you be happy with the guys getting let out of jail to play rugby? To me that is not justice. I can guarantee all of you guys commenting saying its touching wouldnt be saying that if you were the victim. If rugby can make them a better person thats excellent, but there has to be some justice

FOR ALL THE IDIOTS CALLING ME A C**T (WHICH IN ITSELF IS VULGAR AND UNCALLED FOR) FOR MY PREVIOUS COMMENT, IMAGINE IT WAS YOUR MOTHER ONE OF THESE GUYS KILLED OR RAPED. WOULD YOU BE SO HAPPY TO SEE THEM RUNNING AROUND HAVING FUN LIKE THIS. I OBVIOUSLY HAVE A GOOD POINT AS THE JUDGE WHO PREVENTED THEM DOING SO AGAIN CLEARLY AGREES WITH ME. DONT BE FOOLED BY THE CRYING AND THE FANCY VIDEO THESE GUYS ARE ANIMALS AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH.

Just because a fellow has committed a crime doesn't mean you rob them of every ounce of freedom and humanity. Sure they face their punishment in prison, but prison, as said earlier, should not be about destroying a person, it needs to be about rehabilitation, otherwise people leave prison and reoffend.

Prisons often have psychologists, job advisors, various types of vocational training, so that prisoners can leave prison, and better integrate into society. and hopefully never return to prison.

If rugby can play a role in this, then why shouldn't they be allowed to play the game? You can question whether they should be able to play matches outside of the prisons, but you can't question the role that rugby can play in improving their lives and their life choices.

We get your point caps-lock anonymous - But would you rather these guys don't find method to seek happyness, release their pent up anger and them leave prison and commit potentially worse crimes (Crimes which could end up being against your family or friends?)

As the previous guy said - Prison is about rehabilitation, not destroying a person - even if you feel they should be destroyed depending on their crime.

IMAGINE IT WAS YOUR MOTHER ONE OF THESE GUYS KILLED OR RAPED. WOULD YOU BE SO HAPPY TO SEE THEM RUNNING AROUND HAVING FUN LIKE THIS.

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Of course the victims of crimes will hold an emotive position rather than a logical position built on merit.

And I must have missed the bit in the video that said all these guys are rapists.

People in prison are not 'animals'. They're human beings and many fall victim to their enviroment and conditioned behaviour. Furthermore, many are in jail for asinine 'crimes' that fall down to logical scrutiny.

Maybe you should live in Saudi Arabia or another backwards nation. You'd better fit in. The civilised world is no place for you Mr capslock

Brilliant spirit shown in this video. These guys have nothing to live for, albeit self inflicted, but everyone makes mistakes in life. You don't know them, what they've been through, and how they got to where they are today.

Either they sit rotting in prison, or they can play rugby and improve as more well rounded individuals who might actually contribute something to society one day.

If you can't see that, well then you're probably the type who is also against same sex marriages. It's 2011. We've evolved.

It's not like any of the prisoners in the video said they deserved to be let out of prison or that they shouldn't suffer the consequences of their crimes. They're simply finding a way to use their time in prison to give their lives some meaning and better themselves. Brutal, inhumane prison conditions only serve to produce more hardened criminals.

Great video. What better way to reward good behaviour in prison than allowing them to play rugby? Prisons around the world could learn a lot from this. Prison leagues one day? Doesn't seem too out of the question... Happy days.

' box said...It's probably better to have them use their aggression in a game of rugby than stab another inmate etc. It gives them something to actually keep on the straight an narrow for.

January 28, 2011 11:14 PM'

Untrue actually, if one stabs another and the victim dies then that is one less mouth to fees in prison therefore less taxes...which means more money can be spent on education, and perhaps rugby for those who follow the law and actually get a legitimate job!!!! Instead of being a murderous little prick and getting to enjoy playing rugby all the damn time!!!!!

I'm sure it does incredible things for these people, however I can't help think that the electric chair would help solve these guys issues a little better.

great vid RD.just imagine if one of the 20 odd players became a business owner of some sort when released; who would he try to help first? the 20 odd brothers who played the beautiful game together or a random dude on the street. if it was the former, imagine the chances of them going back to crime again. a job, friends, support from family; even i wouldn't go back.

Imagine if these guys hadn't murdered someone....we wouldn't be watching this video on how rugby changes peoples lives!!! Shit, what we need is more murderers so we can watch more 'rugby saved my life' videos!!!

Let's start a 'Justice for murderers' campaign and wear arm bands when we play.

Don't agree with this sorry. No murderers or rapists should ever be given the pleasure of playing our game to improve their life in prison. They can spend 30 years being rehabbed using other techniques and if they are better then they can join the vets team at their local club.

I know this doesn't apply to the whole team and think it is great to use rugby with criminals otherwise. It can teach you many of the core values that we need in society.